Preston High School opening delayed, students to begin year at TAFE
A new school due to open in Melbourne’s northern suburbs next week has been delayed, with students forced to begin the term at a nearby TAFE. This is why.
Education
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A new school due to open next week has been delayed, with students forced to begin the term at a nearby TAFE.
Students of the new Preston High will be told today their school will not open next week, when it was due to take its first cohort of Year 7 pupils.
Education Minister James Merlino said flooding and storm damage over the summer holidays delayed construction work, with the completion of fire services and work on the ground floor still continuing.
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The 125 pupils — along with 10 teachers — instead will start their high schooling at Melbourne Polytechnic for the first six weeks of term, about 800m away.
A statement released to parents from the Victorian School Building Authority said “we realise that this is disappointing news for local families, however, student safety is our first priority”.
The revised date for the school to open has been set at no later than Monday, March 18.
Mr Merlino said: “Students and staff excited about the new school we’re building would be rightly frustrated to now find out that they won’t be able to move in next week”.
“Severe weather, including flooding and storm damage, has contributed to this delay but I’ve directed my department to ensure a completion of the remaining works is a priority, so students can enjoy their brand new school as soon as possible.”
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Preston High is being completed in two stages, with stage one including a refurbishment of the heritage building on Cooma St and a central courtyard.
Stage two will see a new gym and competition-grade basketball court, change rooms, food tech and performing art spaces and a canteen.
Any families with queries about the school’s completion can call the VSBA on 1800 896 950.
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